Solanine in Potatoes May Increase Glycoalkaloid Poisoning
Highlights:
- Glycoalkaloids such as t�\-solanine and �\-chaconine are found higher in green, germinated, damaged potatoes and potato peel
- Ingesting these glycoalkaloids such as solanine in potato may affect the health and increase the risk of glycoalkaloid poisoning
- The glycoalkaloid content in table potatoes should not be higher than 100 mg per kg fresh weight
Glycoalkaloids such as solanine a natural ingredient found in potato can lead to poisoning in humans. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) have given few recommendations and measures to prevent the risk of glycoalkaloid poisoning.
Glycoalkaloids are present naturally in plants such as potatoes. In potatoes, t�\-solanine and �\-chaconine are the dominating glycoalkaloid derivatives. They are found in green, germinating and damaged potatoes and potato peel. These glycoalkaloids are used as pesticides to protect the plant from pest and germ infestation.
‘Glycoalkaloids such as t�\-solanine and �\-chaconine are found higher in green, germinated, damaged potatoes and potato peel. Ingestion of glycoalkaloids may increase the risk of glycoalkaloid poisoning.’
Ingesting these glycoalkaloids such as solanine in potato may affect the health of a person.
Symptoms of minor glycoalkaloid poisoning
- fever
- nausea
- stomach-ache
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Symptoms of major glycoalkaloid poisoning
- impairment of consciousness
- loss of consciousness (occurs very rarely)
- disturbances in brain function
- breathing problems
- problems in the cardiovascular system
From the previous studies, no evidence of death has been observed due to glycoalkaloid poisoning in the last 50 years.
"Although only a few cases of poisoning caused by potato dishes have been reported and documented in the last 100 years, green and strongly germinating potatoes should not be consumed in order to avoid health risks," said BfR President Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel.
A case of poisoning was observed in a family after consumption of a potato dish containing high levels of glycoalkaloids. The BfR assessed the risk is mainly related to the ingestion of glycoalkaloids through table potatoes.
NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) - the maximum dose at which there are no undesired health effects.
In case of glycoalkaloid poisoning, the BfR derived a NOAEL of 0.5 mg per kg body weight and day. The glycoalkaloid content in potatoes can be up to 200 mg per kg and was considered to be safe.
To avoid higher intake, the glycoalkaloid content in table potatoes should not be higher than 100 mg per kg fresh weight.
Recommendations in the Storage and Preparation of Potatoes
Maintaining a low intake of glycoalkaloids is safe. The BfR suggests few ways to reduce the risk of glycoalkaloid poisoning.
- Potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place
- Potatoes that are old, dried up, green and germinated should not be consumed
- Snacks which are made from potato peels or containing potato peels should not be consumed
- Green parts and "eyes" in potatoes should be removed
- If consumers prefer to eat skin along with the potato, it is safe to choose undamaged fresh potatoes
- Potato dishes with a bitter taste should not be eaten
- Avoid giving unpeeled potatoes to children
- The water in which the potatoes were boiled should not be reused
- It is best to replace the deep-frying fat for potato products regularly
Therefore, to improve the data about the existing glycoalkaloid levels in commercially available table potatoes, the BfR has proposed the need for monitoring the food and mainly to examine the glycoalkaloid levels in potatoes should be conducted as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of glycoalkaloid poisoning.
Source: Medindia
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Adeline Dorcas. (2018, April 28). Solanine in Potatoes May Increase Glycoalkaloid Poisoning. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 10, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/solanine-in-potatoes-may-increase-glycoalkaloid-poisoning-179058-1.htm.
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Adeline Dorcas. "Solanine in Potatoes May Increase Glycoalkaloid Poisoning". Medindia. Jan 10, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/solanine-in-potatoes-may-increase-glycoalkaloid-poisoning-179058-1.htm>.
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Adeline Dorcas. "Solanine in Potatoes May Increase Glycoalkaloid Poisoning". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/solanine-in-potatoes-may-increase-glycoalkaloid-poisoning-179058-1.htm. (accessed Jan 10, 2025).
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Adeline Dorcas. 2018. Solanine in Potatoes May Increase Glycoalkaloid Poisoning. Medindia, viewed Jan 10, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/news/healthwatch/solanine-in-potatoes-may-increase-glycoalkaloid-poisoning-179058-1.htm.